Microwave distribution network
A microwave distribution network includes stacks of layers, each layer including unit cells. The unit cells have a coaxial input connected to three transmission lines with an angular span of 120°. The layers are configured as a hexagonal lattice formed with replicated unit cells. The coaxial inputs are at the hexagon corners. Each unit cell is connected to three neighbor unit cells. The coaxial inputs of the unit cells and neighbor cells are oriented on a Z-axis of a Cartesian system of axes in which the three transmission lines are on an XY plane, such that the input orientation on the Z-axis is opposite to the former unit cell on the same Z-axis. The distance between coaxial inputs is λ/4, where λ is the wavelength of a microwave distribution network operating frequency. Adjacent layers are interconnected by the coaxial inputs of the unit cells arranged in an opposite direction.
1 . A microwave distribution network, comprising a stacking of a plurality of layers, each of the layers comprising a plurality of unit cells, wherein:
each of the plurality of unit cells having a hexagonal shape and comprising a coaxial input connected to three transmission lines with an angular span of 120°, the coaxial input being orientated on a Z-axis of a Cartesian system of axes in which the three transmission lines are on an XY plane,
the plurality of layers are configured as a hexagonal lattice formed with the three transmission lines of the unit cells by periodical replication, with the unit cells positioned with the coaxial inputs placed at corners of the hexagons, such that each unit cell of the plurality of unit cells is connected to three neighbour unit cells of the plurality of unit cells, the coaxial inputs of the three neighbour unit cells being oriented on the Z-axis of a Cartesian system of axes in which the three transmission lines of each of the three neighbour unit cells are on the XY plane, such that an orientation of the coaxial input on the Z-axis is the same as an orientation of the coaxial input of a unit cell on the same Z-axis in a different layer,
a distance between adjacent coaxial inputs of the same layer is λ/4, wherein λ is the wavelength of an operating frequency of the microwave distribution network,
an orientation the coaxial input of the same layer on the Z-axis is opposite an orientation on the Z-axis of an adjacent coaxial input of the same layer, and
adjacent layers are interconnected by the coaxial inputs of the unit cells in the adjacent layers that are arranged in the same directions.
2 . The microwave distribution network, comprising a stacking of a plurality of layers, each of the layers comprising a plurality of unit cells, wherein:
each of the plurality of unit cells having eight sides and comprising a coaxial input connected to four transmission lines with an angular span of 90°, the coaxial input being orientated on a Z-axis of a Cartesian system of axes in which the four transmission lines are on an XY plane,
the plurality of layers are configured as a square or rectangular lattice formed with the four transmission lines of the unit cells by periodical replication, with the unit cells positioned with the coaxial inputs placed at corners of the square or rectangle, such that each unit cell of the plurality of unit cells is connected to four neighbour unit cells of the plurality of unit cells, the coaxial inputs of the four neighbour unit cells being oriented on the Z-axis of a Cartesian system of axes in which the four transmission lines of each of the four neighbour unit cells are on the XY plane, such that an orientation of the coaxial input on the Z-axis is the same as an orientation of the coaxial input of a unit cell on the same Z-axis in a different layer,
a distance between adjacent coaxial inputs of the same layer is λ/4, wherein λ is the wavelength of an operating frequency of the microwave distribution network,
an orientation the coaxial input of the same layer on the Z-axis is opposite an orientation on the Z-axis of an adjacent coaxial input of the same layer, and
adjacent layers are interconnected by the coaxial inputs of the unit cells in the adjacent layers that are arranged in the same directions.
3 . The microwave distribution network according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of unit cells comprise a plurality of shielding vias surrounding the transition between the coaxial input and the transmission lines.
4 . The microwave distribution network according to claim 1 , wherein each unit cell of the plurality of unit cells comprises a substrate in which the transmission lines are placed and in which the coaxial input enters.
5 . An antenna array comprising the microwave distribution network of claim 1 .
6 . A reflector antenna system comprising the microwave distribution network of claim 1 .
7 . A lens antenna comprising the microwave distribution network of claim 1 .